New dean, student leaders participate in Convocation

A message from President Di Pasquale, Sept. 3, 2010

More than 550 faculty and staff attended the Community College of Rhode Island’s Opening Day Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 2, at the Knight Campus in Warwick.

In what President Ray Di Pasquale said was the first time since he joined the college, the presidents of all four campuses’ student governments were present at Opening Day Convocation. He introduced Manna Muhuri, president at the Knight Campus; Stuart Mundy, president at the Liston Campus; Aubrie Deletti, president at the Flanagan Campus, who also brought three members of her cabinet; and John Miles, president at the Newport County Campus.

In a highlight of the morning’s activities, President Di Pasquale introduced Martin Camacho, the new dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, who is considered one of the most important Mexican pianists of his generation and is a leading scholar on the topic of Cuban dances for piano.

Dr. Camacho comes to CCRI from Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla., and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts, a Master of Music, a Master of Business Administration, a Professional Studies Diploma and a Bachelor of Music Degree. As a pianist, he has won 18 national and local competitions in Mexico, Cuba and the United States.

In a special treat for the audience, Dr. Camacho played two Cuban dance pieces on the college’s Steinway piano, then spoke about how they relate to CCRI.

Last, the college also premiered its new college image and recruitment video that will represent CCRI well in high schools, on the Internet and at major public events. The video stars new alumni Craig Alix, a 2010 graduate, and Zahra Malko, who recently transferred to Mount Ida College, as tour guides. Also appearing in the video is CCRI student Alex Montty, president of the New Media Group. The video will be available on the CCRI website for all to view soon.